29-9-2019 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - PAINTED LADY BUTTERFLY (Vanessa cardui)

Vanessa cardui is the most widespread of all butterfly species. It is commonly called the painted lady, or formerly in North America the cosmopolitan.

V. cardui occurs in any temperate zone, including mountains in the tropics. The species is resident only in warmer areas, but migrates in spring, and sometimes again in autumn. It migrates from North Africa and the Mediterranean to Britain and Europe in May and June, occasionally reaching Iceland, and from the Red Sea basin, via Israel and Cyprus, to Turkey in March and April. The occasional autumn migration made by V. cardui is likely for the inspection of resource changes; it consists of a round trip from Europe to Africa.

For decades, naturalists have debated whether the offspring of these immigrants ever make a southwards return migration. Research suggests that British painted ladies do undertake an autumn migration, making 14,500 km (9,000 mi) round trip from tropical Africa to the Arctic Circle in a series of steps by up to six successive generations. The Radar Entomology Unit at Rothamsted Research provided evidence that autumn migrations take place at high altitude, which explains why these migrations are seldom witnessed. In recent years, thanks to the activity of The Worldwide Painted Lady Migration citizen science project, led by the Barcelona-based Institute of Evolutionary Biology (Catalan: Institut de Biologia Evolutiva), the huge range of migration has begun to be revealed. For example, some butterflies migrated from Iceland to the Sahara desert, and even further south.

29-9-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MOORISH GECKO (Tarentola mauritanica)

Tarentola mauritanica, known as the common wall gecko, is a species of gecko (Gekkota) native to the western Mediterranean area of North Africa and Europe. It has been introduced to Madeira and Balearic Islands, and the Americas (in Montevideo, Buenos Aires and California). A nocturnal animal with a predominantly insectivorous diet, it is commonly observed on walls in urban environments in warm coastal areas; it can be found further inland, especially in Spain where it has a tradition of cohabitation with humans as an insect hunter. A robust species, up to 15 centimetres (5.9 in) long, its tubercules are enlarged and give the species a spiny armoured appearance.

The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It is also known as moorish gecko, crocodile gecko, European common gecko, and, regionally, as osga (in Portuguese), salamanquesa (in Spanish) and dragó (in Catalan).

29-9-2019 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

The white wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a small passerine bird in the family Motacillidae, which also includes pipits and longclaws. The species breeds in the Palearctic zone in most of Europe and Asia and parts of North Africa; it also has a toehold in western Alaska as a scarce breeder. It is resident in the mildest parts of its range, but otherwise migrates to Africa. In total, there are between 9 and 11 subspecies of M. alba; in Ireland and Great Britain, the black-backed subspecies known as the pied wagtail (M. a. yarrellii) predominates.

The white wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding, where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas, it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices in stone walls and similar natural and human-made structures. 

26-9-2019 SEGOVIA, ESPANA - EUROPEAN ROBIN (Erithacus rubecula)

European robins occur in Eurasia east to Western Siberia, south to Algeria, and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Central Group of the Azores and Madeira. Irish and British robins are largely resident but a small minority, usually female, migrate to southern Europe during winter, a few as far as Spain. Scandinavian and Russian robins migrate to Britain and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. European robins prefer spruce woods in northern Europe, contrasting with their preference for parks and gardens in Ireland and Great Britain. These may also be found in grasslands, shrubby vegetation, hedgerows with some tall trees, orchards, and farmlands.

European robins are active during the day, however, they may also hunt insects on moonlit nights or near artificial light at night. These are generally solitary and territorial birds, and males are noted for their highly aggressive territorial behavior. They will fiercely attack other males and competitors that stray into their territories and may even attack other small birds without apparent provocation. 

European robins communicate using a variety of calls, including a ticking note that usually indicates anxiety or mild alarm. During the breeding season, robins produce a fluting, warbling song. Both the male and female sing during the winter, when they hold separate territories; the song then sounds more plaintive than the summer version. 

The female typically moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, males usually initiate their morning song an hour before civil sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around thirty minutes after sunset. They may also sing at night, especially in urban areas that are artificially lit during the night.

26-9-2019 SEGOVIA, ESPANA - GUADARRAMA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis guadarramae)

The Guadarrama Wall Lizard (Podarcis guadarramae) is a rocky-habitat specialist in Spain's Sistema Central mountains, known for its flattened heads, variable dark patterns (spots/stripes), and reddish/pink bellies, feeding on invertebrates, and can even climb trees, but its key feature is its strong link to granite rocks, distinguishing it from other Podarcis species. 

Key Characteristics & Habitat:

Endemic to Sierra de Guadarrama: Found in high-altitude, rocky areas like granite screes in Spain's Central System.

Appearance: Medium-sized, brown to green with dark spots/stripes; males often have broad dark bands; belly is reddish, pink, or orange.

Head Shape: Distinctive flattened head and elongated snout compared to other Iberian wall lizards. 

Behavior & Diet:

Insectivorous: Eats terrestrial invertebrates like beetles, ants, and flies.

Arboreal Tendencies: Can climb trees and shrubs, though less so than some other lizards, with reasons for this behavior still being studied. 

Distinguishing Features:

Rock Specialist: Strongly tied to granite substrates, differentiating it from other Podarcis lizards.

Pattern Variation: Males often show dark stripes, while P. lusitanicus (a related species) typically has dots or net patterns. 

30-9-2019 ALFAUIR, VALENCIA - EPAULET SKIMMER DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Orthetrum chrysostigma)

Orthetrum chrysostigma, the epaulet skimmer, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found in Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Israel, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and possibly Burundi as well as Canary Islands, and Portugal. It was recorded in the Maltese Islands in 2010.

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, dry savanna, moist savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, rivers, intermittent rivers, shrub-dominated wetlands, swamps, freshwater lakes, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, and freshwater springs. The adults prey on various flying insects. The bodies of adult males are blue, and those of young and females are yellow and brown.

30-9-2019 ALFAUIR, VALENCIA - NOMAD DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Sympetrum fonscolombii)

The nomad dragonfly (Sympetrum fonscolombii), also known as the red-veined darter, is a common and widespread species known for its migratory habits and rapid life cycle. 

Key Facts

Nomadic Behavior: The dragonfly is named "nomad" because it can travel long distances, often migrating northward to central and northwest Europe from its typical southern range (Africa, Southern Europe, Middle East, Asia) in specific years.

Rapid Development: Unlike most other European dragonflies, the nomad can have more than one generation per year due to its fast-developing eggs and larvae, which can grow from egg to adult in just a few months.

Appearance (Females): Females are different, featuring an ochre-yellow or yellowish-brown abdomen with two black lines along each side. Their wing veins are yellow, not red, at the leading edge and base.

Size: This is a medium-sized dragonfly, typically reaching a body length of about 38 to 40 millimeters (1.5 to 1.6 inches).

30-9-2019 ALFAUIR, VALENCIA - CONVOLVULUS HAWKMOTH (Agrius convolvuli) CATERPILLAR

Agrius convolvuli, the convolvulus hawk-moth, is a large hawk-moth. It is common throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, partly as a migrant. In New Zealand, it is also known as the kumara moth, and in the Māori language as hīhue.

The wingspan is 80–105 millimetres (3.1–4.1 in). This hawkmoth's basic coloration is in grayish tones, but the abdomen has a broad gray dorsal stripe and pink and black bands edged with white on the sides. The hindwings are light gray with darker broad crosslines.

Its favourite time is around sunset and during the twilight, when it is seen in gardens hovering over the flowers. This moth is very attracted to light, so it is often killed by cars on highways. Its caterpillars eat the leaves of the Convolvulus, hence its Latin name "convolvuli". Other recorded food plants include a wide range of plants in the families Araceae, Convolvulaceae, Leguminosae and Malvaceae. It can be a pest of cultivated Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato or kūmara) in New Zealand and the Pacific. The adult feeds on the wing and has a very long proboscis (longer than its body) that enables it to feed on long trumpet-like flowers such as Nicotiana sylvestris.

The caterpillars can be in a number of different colours. As well as brown (pictured below) they have been seen in bright green and black.

A. convolvuli is unmistakable in the eastern area of distribution, in the western area of distribution it can be mistaken for Agrius cingulata. This species, found mainly in South and Central America, is repeatedly detected on the western shores of Europe. Agrius cingulata can be distinguished on the basis of the clearly stronger pink colouring of the abdominal segments and a similarly coloured rear wing base. In addition, Agrius convolvuli form pseudoconvolvuli Schaufuss, 1870 has some resemblance with North American species in the genus Manduca, for instance Manduca sexta.

29-9-2019 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - ZITTING CISTICOLA (Cisticola juncidis)

The Zitting Cisticola, or Streaked Fantail Warbler, is a diminutive bird, measuring a mere 10 to 12 centimeters in length. Its upper parts are adorned with a brown plumage, intricately streaked with black, while its underparts remain a modest whitish hue. The tail is a noteworthy feature, broad and tipped with white, and is frequently flicked—a behavior that has inspired one of the bird's colloquial names.

To identify the Zitting Cisticola, look for its rufous rump and the absence of gold on the collar. The tail, brownish with white tips, is another distinguishing characteristic. Males, during the breeding season, exhibit less crown streaking and more pronounced back markings than females, though differences between sexes are generally subtle.

The Zitting Cisticola favors grasslands as its primary habitat, often found in proximity to bodies of water.

This species boasts a broad range, encompassing southern Europe, Africa (excluding deserts and rainforests), and southern Asia, extending to northern Australia. It is largely sedentary, though certain East Asian populations undertake migrations to warmer climes in winter.

These birds are predominantly insectivorous and may be observed in small flocks. The breeding season is timed with the rains, and in many regions, the Zitting Cisticola is known to produce two broods annually. Males display polygynous tendencies, though monogamous pairings are not uncommon. The male initiates nest construction within the grasses and performs a specialized display to attract females, who then complete the nest.

The male's breeding season is marked by a distinctive flight display, punctuated by a series of "zitting" calls reminiscent of the sound of scissors snipping.

Nests are artfully constructed with living leaves woven into a soft matrix of plant down, cobwebs, and grass. The structure is cup-shaped with an overhead canopy for camouflage. Females lay 3 to 6 eggs and are solely responsible for incubation, which lasts approximately 10 days. Multiple broods may be raised in a single season.

The Zitting Cisticola can be differentiated from the Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis) by the absence of a nuchal collar.

Their diet consists primarily of insects, which they forage for within their grassland habitats.

The Zitting Cisticola is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.

28-9-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - TUSSOCK MOTH (Ocneria rubea)

Ocneria rubea is a species of tussock moth found in Southern Europe and Northwest Africa. There are notable differences in appearance between the male and female moths, as well as distinct features of their life cycle and diet. 

Key Facts and Figures

Classification: It belongs to the family Erebidae, commonly known as tussock moths.

Geographic Range: Occurs across Southern Europe (up to central France, the southern Alps, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic) and Northwest Africa.

Habitat: Inhabits maquis, open oak scrub, and oak woodlands. 

Physical Appearance

Male Ocneria rubea moths have a wingspan of approximately 3-4 cm and are grey-brown with dark wing markings and a slender body. Female moths are larger, with a wingspan of about 4-7 cm, and are mostly white with wavy, black bands on the forewing and a distended abdomen containing an egg mass, covered in yellowish hairs. 

Ocneria rubea caterpillars are hairy and exhibit a range of colors including black, yellow, blue, and red patterns. The head of the caterpillar is typically yellow in the later stages of development. 

Life Cycle and Diet

Generations: The moths usually have one or two generations annually, active from June to early October.

Hibernation: The larvae spend the winter in old oak leaf litter.

Diet: The primary food source for the larvae is oak (Quercus) species, but they also consume other shrubs like Cistus, Rubus, and Arbutus. Younger larvae tend to feed on the tender, low-lying parts of the host plants. 

27-9-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (idaea cervantaria)

1.4 to 2.2 cm wingspan. Straw-coloured, with yellowish wings with scattered dark, brown or greyish scales. On each wing it has a wavy line with small pointed spots, pointing backwards. Sometimes these details are barely noticeable. Between these lines and the rear edge, it has dark spots that may have a  light wavy stripe. It has a spot on each wing but those on the front wings may go unnoticed.

There are other similar species that are impossible to distinguish externally, so for a correct and safe identification, genital analysis must be used. Several of them have been found in the province of Malaga, although I. cervantaria is currently the most common and the only one that has been observed in urban environments.

The caterpillars feed on dry leaves of herbaceous plants and in captivity on petals of different Asteraceae and sea alder (Lobularia maritima), the latter common in our province, especially in sunny areas of the limestone mountains, and occasionally used in gardening for the showiness of its inflorescences.

27-9-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Section Eupithecia semigraphata)

Eupithecia semigraphata, known as the Dost-Blütenspanner (German) or L'Eupithécie des Labiées (French), is a small, nocturnal pug moth (Geometridae family) found across much of Europe, the Caucasus, Armenia, the Canary Islands, and North Africa, characterized by its plain, muted colors, and often difficult identification, relying on genital features. Like many Eupithecia species, its larvae feed on flowers and seeds, not foliage, and it hibernates as a pupa, sometimes for two years, with adults flying in summer. 

Key Facts:

Classification: A species within the large Eupithecia genus, known as "pug moths".

Appearance: Small (12-35mm), with muted colors and a distinct resting pose with forewings flat at right angles to the body.

Distribution: Widespread in Europe (excluding some northern/western areas), extending to the Caucasus, Armenia, Canaries, and North Africa.

Behavior: Nocturnal, adults are attracted to light; larvae feed on flowers/seeds of specific plants, not leaves.

Life Cycle: Hibernates as a pupa, sometimes for two years.

Identification: Difficult to distinguish from other Eupithecia species, often requiring dissection of genitalia for certainty. 

25-9-2019 EL OSO, AVILA - FALSE MEADOW SAFFRON (Colchicum montanum)

False meadow saffron is an autumnal crocus adored for its thin, pointy purple petals with striking white centers and yellow filaments. The plant's leaves, seeds, and underground storage organ are poisonous. Despite this, false meadow saffron is a popular ornamental plant, often featuring in garden displays.

False meadow saffron is a perennial herb.

False meadow saffron is a plant native to the mountainous regions of Southwestern Europe. Over time, it has maintained its presence within its indigenous range, without notable introduction to regions beyond its original habitat. The essence of false meadow saffron's distribution remains tightly bound to this specific and confined locale, without significant cultivation or naturalization elsewhere. False Meadow saffron blooms in autumn.

25-9-2019 SEGOVIA, ESPANA - EURASIAN MAGPIE (Pica pica)

The Eurasian magpie, or common magpie (Pica pica), is a striking bird that graces the northern reaches of the Eurasian continent. It is a member of the crow family, known as corvids, and is part of the "monochrome" magpie group within the Holarctic radiation. The bird is easily recognized by its black and white plumage and long, iridescent tail.

Adult Eurasian magpies measure 44–46 cm in length, with over half of this being the tail. They have a wingspan of 52–62 cm. The head, neck, and breast are glossy black with a metallic sheen of green and violet, while the belly and scapulars are pure white. The wings are black with green or purple gloss, and the primaries have white inner webs. The tail is black with green and reddish-purple gloss. Both sexes have similar plumage, though females are slightly smaller. 

25-9-2019 EL OSO, AVILA - GREYLAG GOOSE (Anser anser)

The Greylag Goose (Anser anser) is a large and robust member of the waterfowl family Anatidae, easily recognized by its mottled and barred grey and white plumage. It boasts an orange beak, pink legs, and a sizeable stature, measuring between 74 and 91 centimeters in length and weighing an average of 3.3 kilograms. This species is the progenitor of most domestic goose breeds and exhibits a wide distribution across Europe and Asia.

Adult Greylag Geese have a rotund body, a thick and long neck, and a large head and bill. Their legs and feet are pink, and their bill is orange or pink with a white or brown nail. The wingspan ranges from 147 to 180 centimeters. Males are typically larger than females, and the eastern subspecies rubirostris is larger than the nominate subspecies. The plumage is greyish brown with a darker head and paler underparts, with black spotting that varies among individuals. Juveniles can be identified by their lack of black speckling and greyish legs.

Greylag Geese breed in a variety of wetland habitats, including moorlands, marshes, lakes, and coastal islands. They prefer areas with dense vegetation for cover. In winter, they occupy semi-aquatic habitats such as estuaries, marshes, flooded fields, and agricultural lands.

The Greylag Goose has a Palearctic distribution, with the western subspecies breeding from Iceland to central Europe and the eastern subspecies from Romania to northeastern China. Northern populations often migrate southwards to spend the winter in warmer regions, while many populations are resident year-round.

Greylag Geese are known for their lifelong monogamous pair bonds. They are gregarious and form flocks, which provides safety in numbers. Family groups stay together, migrating southwards in autumn and separating the following year. They are herbivorous, feeding mainly on grasses, and can cause damage to agricultural crops.

The call of the Greylag Goose is a loud cackling, similar to that of domestic geese. They use various calls for different situations and can recognize individual geese by voice. Flocks produce a sound reminiscent of baying hounds.

Greylag Geese mate for life and nest on the ground among vegetation. They lay a clutch of three to five eggs, which the female incubates. Both parents defend and rear the young, who are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching.

The diet consists mainly of grasses, but also includes grains, tubers, and occasionally small aquatic animals. They have adapted to feed on agricultural crops, which has led to conflicts with farmers.

23-9-2019 GALISTEO, CACERES - GUADARRAMA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis guadarramae ssp. guadarramae)

The Guadarrama Wall Lizard (Podarcis guadarramae) is a medium-sized lizard endemic to the granite rocks of the Sistema Central mountain range in Spain and Portugal. It is characterized by a flattened head and slender body, with a coloration that ranges from brown to green and can include dark spots. This species is known for living on rocks and scree, but also occupies sandy areas, and is an egg-laying omnivore that eats insects, fruit, and berries.

Physical characteristics Size: A medium-sized lizard with adult males averaging around \(53.8\) mm in snout-vent length (SVL) and females around \(51.6\) mm.

Coloration: Can range from brown to bright green with dark spots, often with a contrasting pale dorsolateral stripe in males. The belly is typically white, pink, or orange.

Head: Has a distinctively flattened head and an elongated snout. Habitat and distribution Location: Found in the mountain ranges of the Sistema Central, including the Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra de Gredos, and Peña de Francia.Habitat: Primarily inhabits granite rock substrates, scree, and rocky areas, but also lives in sandy areas within pine forests. Behavior and diet Diet: An omnivore that feeds on invertebrates, fruits, and berries.Arboreal activity: While often found on rocks, recent observations show it also climbs trees and shrubs to significant heights, a behavior that is not fully understood.Territoriality: Males are highly territorial.

 Reproduction Reproduction: Egg-laying (oviparous).Eggs: Females lay between 3 and 11 eggs, one or two times a year, depending on the summer's duration.

Hatchlings: Growth rates of hatchlings are influenced by the environment they are in, with those in higher altitude, colder, more humid conditions growing faster.

High-altitude populations: Higher altitude populations tend to have a larger clutch size (average 3.5 eggs) compared to lower altitude populations (average 2.5 eggs). 

22-9-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SCARLET DARTER DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Crocothemis erythraea)

The scarlet dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea) is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. Its common names include broad scarlet, common scarlet-darter, and scarlet darter.

The scarlet dragonfly is a common species in southern Europe and throughout Africa. It also occurs across western Asia as far as southern China. It is a very rare vagrant in Britain. Its first record in the country was at Hayle Kimbro Pool, The Lizard, Cornwall, on 7 August 1995. Since then there have been a few further records at scattered locations throughout Britain.

A wide range of both running and standing waters, except those that are shaded. Adults may be found some distance from water in habitats ranging from desert to open woodland; absent from dense forest.

Crocothemis erythraea can reach a length of 33–44 millimetres (1.3–1.7 in). These dragonflies haves a flattened and rather broad abdomen. The adult male scarlet dragonfly has a bright scarlet red, widened abdomen, with small amber patches at the bases of the hindwings. Also the veins on the leading edges of the wings are red. Females and immatures are yellow-brown and have a conspicuous pale stripe along the top of the thorax.

22-9-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - IBERIAN STRAW GRASSHOPPER (Euchorthippus chopardi)

The Iberian straw grasshopper refers to species like Euchorthippus chopardi and Truxalis nasuta, known for their straw-like camouflage in dry Iberian grasslands, featuring herbivorous diets, cryptic behavior, and notable for being slant-faced grasshoppers that are harmless and often spotted near Mediterranean coasts, with Truxalis nasuta being large and camouflaged by color and shape in dry vegetation. 

Key Facts

Scientific Names: Common examples are Euchorthippus chopardi (Iberian straw grasshopper) and Truxalis nasuta (nosey cone-headed grasshopper).

Appearance: They are typically straw-colored, sometimes with reddish or green tinges, blending perfectly with dry, grassy environments.

Habitat: Found in the drier parts of the Iberian Peninsula, particularly near the Mediterranean, in dried grasslands with scrub.

Diet: Herbivorous, feeding on vegetation, especially grasses.

Behavior: They use their body shape and camouflage for concealment, making them hard to spot.

Classification: They belong to the family Acrididae (slant-faced grasshoppers).

Conservation: Euchorthippus chopardi is listed as "Least Concern" (LC) by the IUCN, indicating no immediate threat. 

24-9-2019 GALISTEO, CACERAS - NORTHERN WHEATEAR (FEMALE) (Oenanthe oenanthe)

The Northern Wheatear, or Oenanthe oenanthe, is a small, charismatic passerine bird. It is the most widespread member of the wheatear genus Oenanthe in Europe, North and Central Asia, with populations also in northeastern Canada, Greenland, northwestern Canada, and Alaska. This bird is notable for its migratory habits, breeding in open stony country and wintering in Africa.

Adult Northern Wheatears measure 14.5–16 cm in length, with a wingspan of 26–32 cm and a weight range of 17-30 g. Both sexes boast a distinctive white rump and tail, marked by a contrasting black T-pattern. The summer male is adorned with grey upperparts, a buff throat, and a striking black face mask and wings. Come autumn, the male's plumage softens to resemble the female's, which is generally paler with brown upperparts and buff underparts. The male's song is a whistling, crackly melody, while its call is a sharp "chack," and the flight call mirrors this sound.

The Northern Wheatear favors open, stony terrain for breeding. It often nests in rock crevices and abandoned rabbit burrows, demonstrating a preference for environments that offer both shelter and open ground.

This bird's breeding range spans Europe, across the Palearctic to east Siberia, and into northwest North America. Remarkably, all Northern Wheatears migrate to spend the winter in Africa, regardless of their vast breeding distribution.

The Northern Wheatear is known for its impressive migratory behavior, undertaking one of the longest journeys of any small bird. It crosses oceans, ice, and deserts to migrate between its breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere and wintering grounds in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Northern Wheatears reach sexual maturity at one year of age. The female is solely responsible for nest construction, often in cavities like rabbit burrows or rock crevices. Clutches typically consist of 4-7 pale blue eggs, which are incubated predominantly by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after about 15 days and gain independence at around 28-32 days old. Usually, only one brood is raised per year.

The Northern Wheatear can be confused with other wheatear species, but its distinctive white rump and black T-pattern on the tail are key differentiators.

As an insectivorous species, the Northern Wheatear feeds on a variety of insects and other small invertebrates, foraging on the ground in its open habitat.

With an extensive range and a large population estimated at 2.9 million individuals, the Northern Wheatear is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. There is no current indication of significant population decline that would threaten the species.

Historically, the Northern Wheatear was trapped and sold as a delicacy in England, known as "the English ortolan." This practice has since ceased, and the bird now primarily holds interest for birdwatchers and ornithologists.

24-9-2019 GALISTEO, CACERAS - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola)

The European stonechat, Saxicola rubicola, is a small, charming passerine bird, once thought to be a member of the thrush family but now placed within the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. This species exhibits a striking sexual dimorphism, with males donning a black plumage with vibrant orange throats and females wearing a more subdued brown.

Males in their summer plumage are unmistakable with their black heads, orange throats, and white bellies. They also sport a distinctive white half-collar and small white patches on the wings and rump. Females, on the other hand, are predominantly brown with less pronounced white wing patches. Both sexes have notably short wings, which are shorter than those of their migratory relatives.

The European stonechat favors heathlands, coastal dunes, and open grasslands dotted with shrubs, brambles, and heather. These habitats provide the perfect backdrop for their active foraging and breeding behaviors.

This species is widely distributed across Europe, reaching as far east as Ukraine and the South Caucasus, and can also be found in parts of North Africa.

Stonechats are known for their lively presence, often perching conspicuously as they keep a vigilant eye on their surroundings. They exhibit a partial migratory pattern, with some populations moving southward to escape the colder winters.

The male stonechat's song is a delightful, high-pitched twitter, reminiscent of a dunnock's melody. Both sexes communicate with a distinctive call that evokes the sound of two stones being tapped together.

European stonechats are monogamous during the breeding season and commence their reproductive efforts at one year of age. They raise two to three broods per season, with the female constructing the nest and both parents tending to the young.

The European stonechat can be confused with the Siberian stonechat and the African stonechat, but genetic evidence supports their distinction as separate species.

These birds are adept insectivores, gleaning a variety of invertebrates from their environment to sustain themselves and their offspring.

The European stonechat does not currently face any significant conservation threats and enjoys a stable population across its range.

24-9-2019 GALISTEO, CACERAS - CRESTED LARK (Galerida cristata)

The Crested Lark (Galerida cristata) is a small, robust passerine bird, approximately 17 cm in height with a wingspan ranging from 29 to 38 cm. It weighs between 37 and 55 grams. Both sexes are similar in appearance, with a brown plumage that is paler on the underparts and a distinctive crest on the head, which is raised prominently during displays. The tail is short with light brown outer feathers, and the underwings exhibit a reddish hue in flight.

Adult Crested Larks are characterized by their brown, streaky plumage with a paler underside. The young birds can be identified by the additional spots on their backs. The species' most notable feature is its crest, which can be seen at all times but is particularly prominent during territorial or courtship displays. In flight, the reddish underwings are a key identification marker.

The Crested Lark is found in dry, open landscapes such as fields, roadsides, and wastelands. It has adapted well to human-altered environments and can often be seen in areas with sparse vegetation, such as sandy patches near railways, docks, and airfields.

This lark has a wide range across temperate Eurasia, from Portugal to northeastern China and eastern India, and in Africa down to Niger. It is a resident bird, meaning it does not migrate seasonally. However, it is a rare vagrant to Great Britain.

The Crested Lark is known for its undulating flight pattern and its melodious, warbling song, which can be heard from high in the sky or at ground level. It is a territorial bird that sings to establish its presence, often from a height of 30 to 60 meters.

The song of the Crested Lark is a liquid series of notes, often transcribed as "whee-whee-wheeoo" or "twee-tee-too." It is a characteristic sound of open country in its range.

The Crested Lark nests on the ground in shallow depressions, using dead grasses and roots to construct its nest. It typically lays three to five brown, finely speckled eggs, which hatch after about 11 to 12 days. The young are precocial and leave the nest early, becoming fully fledged at around 15 to 16 days old. The species often raises two broods per year.

Primarily vegetarian, the Crested Lark feeds on grains and seeds such as oats, wheat, and barley. It also consumes insects, particularly beetles. Juveniles are fed by both parents and start foraging on their own shortly before they are capable of flight.

The Crested Lark is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not currently at risk of extinction. The global population is estimated to be between 22 million and 91.2 million mature individuals, with a noted decline in Europe since 1982.

24-9-2019 GALISTEO, CACERES - JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE (Helianthus tuberosus)

The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), also called sunroot, sunchoke, wild sunflower, topinambur, or earth apple, is a species of sunflower native to central North America. It is cultivated widely across the temperate zone for its tuber, which is used as a root vegetable.

Helianthus tuberosus is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 1.5–3 m (4 ft 11 in – 9 ft 10 in) tall with opposite leaves on the lower part of the stem but alternate towards the top. The leaves have a rough, hairy texture. Larger leaves on the lower stem are broad ovoid-acute and can be up to 30 cm (12 in) long. Leaves higher on the stem are smaller and narrower.

The flowers are yellow and produced in capitate flowerheads, which are 5–10 cm (2–4 in) in diameter, with 10–20 ray florets and 60 or more small disc florets. The flowers are briefly fragrant, giving off a light, vanilla-chocolate perfume.

The tubers are often elongated and uneven, typically 7.5–10 cm (3–3+7⁄8 in) long and 3–5 cm (1–2 in) thick, and vaguely resembling a ginger root in appearance, with a crisp and crunchy texture when raw. They vary in color from pale brown to white, red, or purple.

24-9-2019 GALISTEO, CACERES - AMERICAN POKEWEED (Phytolacca americana)

Pokeweed is a member of the family Phytolaccaceae, and is a large herbaceous perennial plant, growing up to 2.5 metres (8 feet) in height over the course of a summer. One to several branches grow from the crown of a thick, white, fleshy taproot; Michael D. K. Owen describes the branches as "stout, smooth, [and] green to somewhat purplish". Simple, entire leaves with long petioles are alternately arranged along the stem.

Pokeweeds reproduce only by their large, glossy black, lens-shaped seeds, which are contained in a fleshy, 10-celled, purple-to-near-black berry that has crimson juice. The flowers are perfect, radially symmetric, white or green, with 4–5 sepals and no petals. The flowers develop in elongated clusters termed racemes. The seeds have long viability, able to germinate after many years in the soil.

Plant Type: Perennial herbaceous plant which can reach a height of 3 m (10 ft) but is usually 1.2 to 2 m (4 to 6+1⁄2 ft). The plant must be a few years old before the root grows large enough to support this size. The stem is usually red late in the season. There is an upright, erect central stem early in the season, which changes to a spreading, horizontal form later with the weight of the berries. The plant dies back to the roots each winter. The stem has a chambered pith.

Leaves: The leaves are alternate with coarse texture with moderate porosity. Leaves can reach 41 centimetres (16 inches) in length. Each leaf is entire. Leaves are medium green and smooth, with a distinct odor that many characterize as unpleasant.

Flowers: The flowers have 5 regular parts with upright stamens and are up to 5 millimetres (1⁄4 in) wide. They have white petal-like sepals without true petals, on white pedicels and peduncles in an upright or drooping raceme, which darken as the plant fruits. Blooms first appear in early summer and continue into early fall.

Fruit: A shiny dark purple berry held in racemose clusters on pink pedicels with a pink peduncle. Pedicels without berries have a distinctive rounded five part calyx. Fruits are round with a flat indented top and bottom. Immature berries are green, turning white and then blackish purple.

Root: Thick central taproot which grows deep and spreads horizontally. Rapid growth. Tan cortex, white pulp, moderate number of rootlets. Transversely cut root slices show concentric rings. No nitrogen fixation ability.

24-9-2019 GALISTEO, CACERES - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (FEMALE) (Saxicola rubicola)

The European stonechat is a small passerine bird with a distinctive "stone-tapping" call. Males have a black head, brown back, white half-collar, and orange-red breast, while females are duller brown. They inhabit open areas with low vegetation like heathland, feed on invertebrates and seeds, and often perch on gorse bushes. 

Appearance

Males: Black head, brown back, a white half-collar on the neck, and an orange-red breast.

Females and juveniles: Paler and more mottled brown than males.

Size: Roughly robin-sized, about 13 cm (5 inches) long, with a large head and short tail. 

Behavior

Call: Makes a sharp, loud call that sounds like two small stones being tapped together, which is where its name comes from.

Posture: Often seen sitting upright on top of bushes, frequently flicking its wings.

Migration: Some northern populations migrate south for winter, while others are resident, especially in warmer climates.